Gear

Last season’s death of actress Natasha Richardson revived the debate about making helmets mandatory on the slopes. Should there even be a debate?

We said that you can't get hurt in the air, but here is some gear that will help you stay injury free when you land.

Check out Victoria Barbatelli's author page.

A women's Windstopper

Found: warmth and dependability in Chaos

A jacket that can keep up with you AND the weather

Stay cool, not chilly

An unprecedented number of vents

Our intern, Victoria Barbatelli, sits down with Bolle sponsored athletes Matt Philippi and Jen Hudak. For everything from competition stories to skiing tips (it's all in your feet), these guys have plenty to say about the sport we all love.

A feminine edge

Go from helmet to beanie in just three snaps

Check out Victoria Barbatelli's author page.

Ski lightheaded

K2's new Clutch is anything but wimpy

Be a hot skier, not a hot head

Bern's low-profile helmets keep chair-lifters focused on your skiing, not what's on your head

Ladies: streamline your look with Bern's new gender-specific helmets

New glove technology from Gore ensures that when your hand comes out, the liner stays in.

Want to start your own ski company? Find out how in this video interview with Fortitude Skis' Nick Whittemore.

From the vaults: “Brain Floss”—Shane McConkey’s original ponderings on powder-ski design

Virus AT/Touring boot, $800–$950

Shred Omnibot goggle ($169 msrp)

Ace of Spades boot (MSRP: $749)

You probably own an iPhone. And we’re fine with that, really. Next time we’re on the lift together, we can pull up YouTube and watch a cat with its head stuck in a Pringles can. Or we could use these ski-specific apps. Including a brand new one from The North Face.

New Gore technology equalizes body temperature

The company's new e-commerce site lets you shop for boots - in your house shoes

Sorry for more ski racing news, but it's an Olympic year and we can't help ourselves. Spyder has announced a new, more aerodynamic speed suit, which will be worn by the U.S. and Canadian ski teams at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. If nothing else, read this to check out the nifty wind tunnel video.

Why trail running works for skiers, and the perfect shoe for beginners and experts alike.

Geardirect.com is your online outdoor specialty shop

Face freezing? Grow a beard (or just buy one)

Pro skier David Lesh was sick of jackets and pants that didn’t fit right. When his clothing sponsors wouldn’t listen to feedback, he went on his own and launched an outerwear company, First Drop.

Real slope style

Rad plaid

Smooth as silk

A baselayer with serious stretch

CamelBak ShredPak

MFS’s Xtreme Sports children’s sunglasses

Rossignol Super Galactic Wheelie

Second cousin to balaclavas and neck gaiters, the Buff has dork in its DNA.

This gear won't turn you into a nasty tree skier overnight. But it'll help.

Hippies.

Is it just us, or has the ski world gone contest crazy? Including us. Here are six cool contests where you can win free gear, lift tickets, season passes, and more.

Pros, Schmoes: Here’s What the Average Joe Thinks of This Year’s Gear

Crashes happen. But with body armor, injuries don’t have to

Raxstars car-top ski carrier works with factory racks; gives you options in a pinch

Smith's Variant uses hybrid construction to blend aesthetics and protection

Guess the location of Grant Gunderson's photos and win a pair of Wagner Custom skis.

Two new websites aim to help skiers sell and buy used gear. Now you don't have to worry about those creepy personal ads.

To the thief with the impeccable taste...

Keep all your essentials in one place.

Been lost? Share your best story about getting that way while skiing and you could win a pair of Motorola radios and, maybe, save yourself from future embarrassment.

Sturdy new Lock Jaw combines pole and probe functions

"CS" shells, now available in more models, are a quick fix for problem feet

One binding that suits both new-school and traditional applications

Boots: Buckle, Unbuckle, Carry your ski boots, Adjust, and Bottle Opener/Corkscrew

Huge Selection, Low Prices, and Great Service

One tool that does it all: binding adjustment, buckle tool, carries your ski boots, and even opens a beer bottle.

Name the resort pictured and win Axio Max & Mini Watches!

Huge Selection, Low Prices, and Great Service

How dropping Skiing a letter can get you free stuff and save our sport.

You Can Get There From Here

When it first debuted, Rottefella's New Telemark Norm boot and binding system wasn't quite perfect. Now, it's getting pretty darn close.

The small screen is revolutionizing the way skiers chase snow, ride lifts and even share their adventures. But is this something to tweet about?

Non-sissy sunscreen. Because cancer sucks.

Consider where you ski most, factor in your ability, and pick the category that suits you best. Use the category descriptions below to examine the ski-width ranges and averages within each category of skis we review.

Finally, an air bag for jibbers.

Art gallery, crime scene, and ski store—all in one.

An art gallery, crime scene, and ski store—all in one.

BordzUp PipeLine system

Rossignol Super Galactic Wheelie

Have you ever walked into a ski shop in search of a new pair of skis and been completely overwhelmed by the options? We have too. Fortunately, we’ve created the perfect cheat sheet to buying a new pair of boards. Follow these 10 easy steps.

There's a ski out there that's perfect for you. Here's how to find it.

Which option below best describes you?

SPEED OR FREERIDE?

Moderately wide waists (80–90 mm) for softer snow and steeper steeps.

Moderately wide waists (80–90 mm) for softer snow and steeper steeps.

The spirit of Scot Schmidt rides the F Train.

What happens when three kids from Michigan start a ski apparel company?

Check out Deborah Marks's author page.

Check out Deborah Marks's author page.